UN warns Yemen’s hunger crisis worsening as Red Sea tensions threaten fragile peace
Over 17 million face food insecurity; children bear brunt amid Houthi attacks and stalled diplomacy
SANAA, Yemen (MNTV) — The United Nations has warned that Yemen’s hunger crisis has reached catastrophic levels, with more than 17 million people facing food insecurity and malnutrition among children escalating to deadly proportions.
Briefing the UN Security Council, Ramesh Rajasingham, director at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said half of Yemen’s children under five suffer acute malnutrition and nearly half show stunted growth.
In displacement camps, particularly in Hajjah Governorate, children are already dying of starvation.
“This is the human face of food insecurity,” Rajasingham said, sharing the case of a nine-month-old boy in Abs district who required emergency care for severe malnutrition and infection.
Years of conflict have shattered livelihoods, forcing families into “terrible ”decisions”—selling land and livestock, pulling children from school, and marrying off adolescent daughters.
Gender-based violence remains a growing concern, with over 30,000 women and girls in three governorates seeking assistance in the past six months.
Rajasingham stressed that humanitarian aid can keep people alive, but only a political settlement can secure lasting safety.
He urged increased international funding to prevent “devastating consequences” for the most vulnerable, including displaced people, migrants, and children.
The warning comes as Israel attacks Yemen continuously, and spillover from the Gaza genocide further destabilizes Yemen.
UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Council that Israeli missile strikes are damaging critical infrastructure and delaying food imports.
Following the sinking of two ships off Yemen’s west coast in July, unloading times at Saleef Port have tripled.
Only two ships berthed there in July, remaining the entire month, while Hodeidah Port faces similar delays.
Addressing Yemen’s fractured economy, Grundberg called for compromises to ease pressure on households and businesses.
He welcomed improvements in the exchange rate in government-held areas amid Houthi issuance of new currency notes and coins, but risks deepening economic division.
“The time to act is now,” he said, urging collective international support for a political resolution. “A sustainable solution is not only possible—it is essential.”
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